Replacing the floor

Photo 1: Remove the middle section

Drill a 3/4-in. hole in each corner of the traced cutout line. Then run your jigsaw along
the line. Remove the old, swollen floor.

Photo 2: Drop in the new floor and screw it into place

Predrill holes around the perimeter using a countersink bit. Then install brass-colored
drywall screws.

Let’s face it—it’s easy to get water on
the floor of your sink base cabinet.
We’ll never understand why cabinetmakers
use particleboard for the base,
but they do. And once it starts swelling,
your only option is to replace it.
But you don’t have to cut out the
entire bottom. Here’s an easier way to
install a new sink base bottom.

Remove the drain lines (and garbage
disposer, if there is one) to get
maneuvering room. Then trace a cutting
line about 3 in. in from all four
edges. Then cut out the middle section
of the swollen sink base with a
jigsaw (Photo 1). Next, cut a piece of
1/2-in. plywood to the interior size of
the sink base. Cut slots for the water
supply tubes. Seal the edges and
face of the plywood with urethane
varnish. Then install the new plywood
floor and fasten it to the old
floor (Photo 2). Caulk around the edges
and pipes to prevent water from seeping
under the new floor. Finally, reattach the P-trap and garbage disposer.